Today’s Zaman, Turkey
March 10 2007

Photos of Akhtamar to be shown to US Congressmen

Turkey has increased its efforts to counter a Armenian genocide
resolution that is scheduled to be heard in the US House of
Representatives in April.

A Turkish delegation will take photos to the US Congress showing the
former and current condition of the Akhtamar Armenian Church in Van.

A photo album recently issued by the Culture and Tourism Ministry on
Akhtamar Church will be presented personally by Parliamentary Foreign
Affairs Commission Chairman Mehmet Dülger during a visit to the US
Congress from March 11 to 18.

Dülger said: "I will tell them, ‘See, the Turks, whom you accuse of
genocide, have renovated an Armenian Church with taxes collected from
Turks. And these photos are the evidence.’ Also, I will show them a
map of Africa and ask them to show me the location of Armenia."

Akhtamar Church will be opened by Culture and Tourism Minister Atilla
Koç on March 15 with participation from prominent artists and art
historians from around the world. Culture ministers of all countries
that have adopted or will adopt Armenian genocide bills, and senior
representatives of the Armenian diaspora are invited to the opening.

The photo album, entitled "Akhtamar Church" and published by Culture
and Tourism Ministry Revolving Fund Operations General Directorate,
will be distributed at the opening ceremonies. The album contains
photos of the church in its former and current conditions. The album
will also be distributed worldwide to the groups advocating Armenian
genocide claims.

10.03.2007

Ecan Yavuz Ankara